8 Totally True Stereotypes North Carolinians Should Just Accept As Fact

Sometimes stereotypes exist for a reason, while many are misconstrued or not representative of an entire group of people — on the opposite end some stereotypes are just downright hilarious and of course, are a bit true. Growing up Carolina does some strange things to a person. Maybe it’s the southern upbringing or our mix of culture: honestly, I believe it to be a balance between both. Sure, we might not fall into all stereotypes, but these 8 are pretty true and pretty hilarious.

While many in the western region of the state are equipped to take on a snowy winter, the rest of us freak over the seldom snowstorm. From the Triad to the Coast, while snow can be something to expect in winter, it's fully expected everything will entirely shut down in the process. Those photos you see of crazed southerners fighting over the last loaf of bread and/or gallon of milk? Probably from North Carolina. While we treat our snow days with a sense of fear, that's also part of the tradition — adding a bit of chaos to the expected.

The UNC V. Duke rivalry is a one that runs deep within the state. While we of course have other stellar teams, those two take the spotlight and when it really comes down to it, most North Carolinians take a side. Between fights, tears, and a little blood, college basketball is nothing to mess with. There's no surprise we're usually a top pick for ACC and NCAA Tournaments as well as continuously brining about some of the best college basketball in the nation. Nothing else compares to it, and yes, we're so attached we really just might cry...or cuss.

We might shed a few tears over basketball, but we're saving our anger for a BBQ fight. The division between Eastern and Lexington styles are about as divided and debated over UNC V. Duke. Pair that with some hungry, BBQ-loving folks and you have yourself a full-on debate on the principles of vinegar vs. tomato-based.

Sure, saying sir and ma'am are just part of being raised in the south. Sorry, we have manners? But saying y'all is about as natural as breathing and, of course, we've developed a whole wealth of words to describe inanimate objects. What can we say? Everyday speak is boring, there has to be some fun, respect, and some Southern in there somewhere.

Sure, GPS is handy and all, but why trust technology when we know for a fact the destination you're seeking is one mile past the white church, a right turn at the old red barn, and about a half mile past the old oak tree in the field?

Sure, unhealthy vegetables might sound like a contradiction but here in North Carolina, we just know collards go best with a healthy dose of vinegar, there's no limitation to whatever you might add to a 'casserole,' okra is fried and so are the green tomatoes. If you're searching for mac n' cheese on the menu, don't look in the 'sides' section, look in the vegetable section.

From being barefoot in the garden, spending long days and nights on the porch with a cold one, taking in a stunning mountain view, or even long walks on the beach — North Carolina culture is indeed a laid-back one. Add in the mix of many great craft breweries and wine in the state and you have a recipe for relaxation. Sure, we might be more go with the flow when it comes to a lot of things, but we also know that's the best way to live.

Every time I meet someone visiting from out of state or out of the country, they always remark about how North Carolina is such a beautiful state, one of the most gorgeous in the U.S. Of course, I agree with them and remark how lucky I am to have been born and raised here. Yet, inside that agreement exists a deep pride I have for my home state. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sprawling sand and shore on the beach — there's something about North Carolina that pulls visitors in and makes natives fall in love with forever.